TowSafe Tip

Safe Winter Driving From OSHA

Winter driving can be hazardous and scary, especially in northern regions that get a lot of snow and ice. Additional preparations can help make a trip safer, or help motorists deal with an emergency. This sheet provides safety information for your residents to help prevent motor vehicle injuries due to winter storms.

The Three P’s of Safe Winter Driving:

» PREPARE for the trip; » PROTECT yourself; and » PREVENT crashes on the road.

Stopped or Stalled? Stay with your car, don’t over exert, put bright markers on antenna or windows and shine dome light, and, if you run your car, clear exhaust pipe and run it just enough to stay warm.

Plan Your Route: Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave early if necessary), be familiar with the maps/ directions, and let others know your route and arrival time.

Practice Cold Weather Driving!
During daylight, rehearse maneuver slowly on the ice or snow in an empty lot
Steer into a skid
Know what your brakes will do: stomp on antilock brakes, pump non-antilock brakes
Stopping distances are longer on watercovered ice and ice
Don’t idle for a long time with the windows up or in an enclosed space

» PROTECT YOURSELF
Buckle up and use child safety seats properly
Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag
Children 12 and under are much safer in the back seat

» PREVENT CRASHES
Drugs and alcohol never mix with driving
Slow down and increase distances between cars
Keep your eyes open for pedestrians walking in the road
Avoid fatigue – Get plenty of rest before the trip, stop at least every three hours, and rotate drivers if possible
If you are planning to drink, designate a sober driver